We have detected that your browser is not JavaScript 1.5 enabled. As a result the site may not display as designed. To enable JavaScript follow these steps on how to enable JavaScript to the browser you are using.

Pacific Blue Tackles Key New Zealand Market

11/05/2005

New Direct Flights From Auckland To Australia

Virgin Blue’s international airline Pacific Blue^ begins flying between Auckland and Australia this week, with the first flight leaving Brisbane for Auckland tomorrow, and flights from Auckland to Brisbane and the Gold Coast beginning on Friday and Saturday respectively.

The new Auckland services follow strong support for Pacific Blue’s flights between Australia, and Wellington and Christchurch.

Pacific Blue will initially launch flights between Auckland and popular Queensland destinations Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in line with the airline’s strategy of focusing on leisure destinations throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The Auckland-Brisbane service will initially operate four times a week, while the direct Auckland-Gold Coast flight will depart twice a week on a Saturday and a Tuesday.

Pacific Blue CEO, Tony Marks said, “Tomorrow’s flight will be another great milestone in our relatively short history. We’ve had our eye on Auckland as a Pacific Blue destination for some time and it’s an exciting market for us. We may be a small player in the Trans Tasman market but we are enthusiastic about taking on the big guns in their own backyard and giving Pacific Blue travellers another route option.”

Auckland International Airport Limited Chief Executive Don Huse said “ Pacific Blue will add its own unique style to flights across the Tasman, as well as providing travellers to and from Auckland with a wider choice of carriers. We welcome Pacific Blue to the Auckland Airport community.”

The Auckland services will give New Zealand’s North Islanders a chance to enjoy the world famous theme parks, stunning beaches and tropical rainforests that Queensland has to offer.

Convenient connections will also allow easy access further north to the beautiful Whitsundays region, as well as Cairns.

The flights will also provide a long awaited opportunity for Australians to fly direct into Auckland for a holiday or to visit friends or family.

The inaugural Auckland to the Gold Coast flight departs Auckland on Saturday at 3.30pm and will be celebrated prior to departure with an indoor beach party to warm things up and get passengers into holiday mode before boarding the flight. On arrival at Gold Coast International Airport, a welcome celebration event will also be held to herald Pacific Blue’s commitment to both the popular Queensland playground and New Zealand’s biggest city.

Everyday low fares between Brisbane and Auckland start from an all-inclusive fare of $255* one-way on the net with an all-inclusive Blue Plus fare of $505* one-way on the net. Gold Coast to Auckland fares start from $229* one-way on the net all inclusive, with a Blue Plus fare of $449* all inclusive.

The low fare/high quality carrier plans to expand services as additional planes are added to the fleet and will closely monitor demand for the initial services to gauge support for other potential routes as well as increased frequency.

BRISBANE TO AUCKLAND

Fair fare (lead in price):

AUD$255* (includes taxes, fees and charges)

Blue Plus fare:

AUD$505* (includes taxes, fees and charges)

GOLD COAST TO AUCKLAND

Fair fare (lead in price):

AUD$229* (includes taxes, fees and charges)

Blue Plus fare:

AUD$449* (includes taxes, fees and charges)

* Fares are one-way on the net, or $10 more by phone. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one way flight is applicable. Fares are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Fares are inclusive of all taxes, fees and charges